Burrow Modification | Belding's ground squirrel

Squirrel burrows can be extensive. Modification of these systems may temporarily deter activity, but additional control efforts are usually required to prevent the ground squirrels from returning. This makes burrow modification less effective than alternative control methods, but it may have utility in some situations and can be useful when implemented with other management practices. Options for burrow modification include:

Burrow ExploderA burrow exploder uses the force from the ignition of a gaseous mixture of propane and oxygen to create a concussive blast. This management option is less effective than many baiting and fumigation options. It involves much equipment, including personal safety gear (hard hat, heavy gloves, safety glasses, ear plugs, ear protectors, and full body protective clothing), a fire extinguisher and shovels (highly recommended), and 50-foot hoses that feed the gases into the nozzle. Depending on the size of the gas canisters that you use, you may need a hand truck, ATV, or vehicle to carry the equipment. Initial tests have not indicated this to be an effective removal approach (~38% control rate), though destruction of burrow systems may have utility in some situations.

Deep RippingStudies have shown that destruction of burrows at shallow depths is inadequate for reducing colonization times of Belding’s ground squirrels, but no research has been conducted to show the effects of deep ripping on this species. Research on other ground squirrel species (i.e. California ground squirrel) has shown that ripping soil at depths of at least 20 inches does slow reinvasion rates if other steps are taken to control the ground squirrel population. This may be true for Belding’s ground squirrels as well.

Burrow Blocker​The Burrow Blocker system is a relatively new product. The system pumps a slurry of water and sand into ground squirrel burrows. The water is then absorbed into the soil and leaves the sand in the burrow, filling those portions of the burrow system into which the slurry can flow by gravity, thus trapping the ground squirrels underground. Research is needed to determine the efficacy of this product.